TAFE tackles IT shortage

SOUTH East Metropolitan College of TAFE has recently launched a network course with networking equipment manufacturers 3Com.

The college will work in conjunction with 3Com to provide NetPrep program training, technical support and access to specialised equipment for trainers, IT professionals and teachers participating in the program.

Current estimates indicate there are about 30,000 unfilled positions in the Australian IT industry.

It is predicted the skills shortage could continue until at least 2005. Many also believe demand for specialised IT workers will continue to outstrip supply, with as many as 200,000 jobs unfilled by 2002.

An industry source indicated there may be a worldwide shortage of at least 1.5 million IT workers by 2002.

Gartner Group Asia-Pacific region research chief Bob Hayward said by 2002, 80 per cent of businesses would begin outsourcing specialised IT operations.